Tirumala Alipiri Walking Route: A Comprehensive Guide for Pilgrims

The Tirumala Alipiri walking route is a time-honored pilgrimage path that leads to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This article provides a practical and informative guide for pilgrims planning to take this route, covering everything from snack prices to wildlife sightings and darshan token availability.

Route Functionalities

As of the latest updates, the Tirumala Alipiri walking route is generally functional, serving as a popular choice for pilgrims. However, the availability of eateries and other facilities may vary due to maintenance schedules and operational changes.

Weekdays like Thursday offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. However, it's always wise to verify specific details before your trip, as policies and schedules can change.

Snack Prices and Availability

Don’t expect affordable snacks on the Alipiri route. Vendors along the way tend to charge significantly higher prices for food, with some snacks costing triple the normal price. For example, a Tata Gluco priced at 10 in a regular shop can cost anywhere from 30 to 40 along the walking route. Therefore, we recommend that pilgrims bring their own snacks from home or from any shop in Tirupati.

Facilities Along the Route

While snacking can be costly, pilgrims can still find several essential facilities along the path:

Drinking Water: Available at regular intervals. Toilets: Regularly spaced for convenient stops. Hospitals: Proximity to medical help in case of emergencies.

Wildlife Sightings

The Tirumala region is known for its diverse wildlife, including deer. However, deer sightings along the walking route are not guaranteed. Factors such as weather and time of year can impact their presence. Nonetheless, visitors can occasionally spot deer in the conservation area or at designated deer parks.

It’s worth noting that the deer park has been moved to an interior location from the current path, so one may need to visit the previous park to catch a glimpse of these animals. These sightings, though not certain, add to the enriching experience of the pilgrimage.

Darshan Tokens and Reservation

The availability of darshan tokens is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). It's advisable to check their official website or contact their helpline for the most current information on token availability, especially given that policies can change. Additionally, prefer booking your darshan token in advance to avoid any surprises.

A significant change in Tirumala is the issuance of free darshan tokens at specific locations:

Govinda Raja Swamy Choultries near the Tirupathi Railway Station Madhavam Choultry near APSRTC main bus stand Bhudevi Complex near the Alipiri Foot Path beginning place

Per day, the TTD issues 15,000 tokens and increases to 20,000 to 25,000 tokens from Friday to Monday due to heavy rush. If any pilgrim fails to secure a token, they can still go to Tirumala and join the free darshan queue. However, this can result in a long wait, with darshan experience taking up to 15 to 20 hours.

Planning Your Visit

In summary, the Tirumala Alipiri walking route remains a functional and enriching pilgrimage path. Pilgrims can avoid high snack prices by bringing their own, find essential facilities like water and toilets at regular intervals, and possibly spot wildlife along the way. By booking darshan tokens in advance and planning for a weekday visit, pilgrims can enhance their spiritual journey to the Tirumala Temple.

Om Namo Venkatesaya